Last Updated on 17/12/2025 by Andy Clark
Reading look to steady themselves while Luton try to rediscover belief on Thursday night, and our match preview includes two betting tips.
Reading return to the Madejski Stadium on Thursday, knowing they need a lift. Two disappointing defeats have dragged them back toward the relegation zone and the mood around the club has shifted again after what looked like early progress under Leam Richardson. The Royals are struggling for goals and confidence, and their reaction will be closely watched. Luton arrive in a similar spell of frustration after three straight draws, yet they remain firmly in the playoff picture and still carry enough attacking threat to make this a difficult night for the hosts.
How to watch Reading vs Luton Town
Reading vs Luton Town kicks off at 20:00 on Thursday at the Madejski Stadium.
Reading Team News
Reading may hand Jack Marriott his first start since October after the striker completed his recovery from a hamstring issue. Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan could make way if Richardson opts for more experience up front.
Liam Fraser is available again after his return at Bradford. Wing and Charlie Savage should continue in midfield with Andy Rinomhota unavailable due to AFCON duty with Zimbabwe. Matty Jacob remains sidelined after suffering a serious injury last month.
Reading Predicted Lineup
(4-2-3-1) Pereira; Abrefa, O’Connor, Williams, Dorsett; Savage, Wing; Williams, Doyle, Kyerewaa; Marriott
Luton Town Team News
Luton remain short in attack with Ali Al Hamadi, Elijah Adebayo and Isaiah Jones all still recovering. Nahki Wells made his return from the bench against Port Vale and is expected to feature again.
Shandon Baptiste is out long term and Marvelous Nakamba is with Zimbabwe at AFCON, leaving George Saville and Liam Walsh to anchor midfield. Shayden Morris may join Millenic Alli, Gideon Kodua and Jacob Brown in the forward line.
Luton Town Expected Lineup
Keeley; Lonwijk, Mengi, Andersen, Bramall; Saville, Walsh; Morris, Kodua, Alli; Brown
Reading vs Luton Town Stats
– Reading are 18th in League One with 22 points
– Luton are seventh with 29 points
– Reading have won one of their last five league matches
– Reading have one clean sheet in their last five at home
– Luton have drawn their last three league fixtures
– Luton have scored in five of their last six away games
– Reading are unbeaten in eleven of their last twelve at home inside ninety minutes
– Luton are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Reading
Reading vs Luton Town Predictions
Reading tend to stay competitive at home, but their attacking problems remain hard to ignore. Even with Marriott available again, they need far more fluency in the final third to take control of games.
Luton come into this with more momentum overall, though their recent run of draws shows they are still figuring things out under Jack Wilshere. They score enough to trouble most sides, but defensive lapses have matched their attacking moments.
Both teams have habits that point toward a tight contest. Reading rarely get blown away at the Madejski and Luton have been involved in several close matches. A draw feels the most natural outcome given their current form.
Jacob Brown continues to provide energy and movement for Luton. He has been involved in key chances away from home and should see openings again.
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Andy is the founder, owner and editor of thatsagoal.com, with over 20 years of experience in betting on sports. He has a keen eye for stats, particularly when looking at players to be carded, and these form a large part of the bet builder tips you see on the site. As well as creating daily football tips, Andy also keeps thatsagoal updated with all the best bookmaker promotions and offers for our readers. The Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest weeks on the sporting calendar, and his expertise in betting promotions and marketing means you always get the best offers.
